Exchanging Burritos for Sandwiches

Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen announced the hiring of former Moe’s Southwest Grill cofounder and Raving Brands executive Seth Salzman as its new COO.

“We believe our food speaks volumes about the potential of our brand and the distinction between the crowded sandwich category and a New York deli experience,” says Gandolfo’s CEO Dan Pool. “So when Seth was on our radar as a potential COO, we simply exposed him to our product and let our food speak for itself. As a New Yorker, I knew that our Pastrami on Rye was going to be the sandwich that hooked him, so I just ordered one up and put it in front of him.”

As COO, Salzman will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of all company and operations functions. Prior to joining Gandolfo’s, Salzman spent more than seven years as a founding partner of Raving Brands. While with Raving Brands, he was involved with brand development and operations, serving as senior vice president and chief brand head of Boneheads Piri Piri Chicken and Grilled Fish, The Flying Biscuit Café, Monkey Joes, and as a co-founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill.

“I haven’t been this excited about the potential of a restaurant concept since my days at Moe’s,” Salzman says. “The difference is we are not another sandwich company like Moe’s was not just another burrito brand. We have an opportunity to bring back the flavor, culture, and history of the New York deli through Gandolfo’s.”